Meet Danii Roundtree: Berklee College of Music graduate, star of Broadway's Rising Stars, Miss New York USA, and American Idol competitor.
Her album, Memoirs, features 10-tracks of retro-flavored jazz, pop, R&B, and soul, along with Roundtree's velvety voice. "Crave," her new music video, delivers a punctuation mark to the famed Motown style.
Popdust sat down with the rising star to learn more about the origin of her retro sound.
How would you describe yourself?
I'm your favorite Retro Coco Ginger. Everyone should have one in their life.
What is the most trouble you've ever gotten into?
So in High School, some friends and I got dressed up, and pretended we were going to Prom. We actually didn't attend at all, and decided to go out and have fun in the city. Let's just say I couldn't sit down normally for a solid week! My parents were SUPER strict.
What's your favorite song to belt out in the car or the shower?
"Rolling in the Deep." Shout out to Adele for creating that soul cry music that's best to sing in the car or shower!
Who is your favorite musical artist?
Prince is my favorite Artist. A fellow Gemini who taught us all to dare to be different. AND he was a fashion icon.
How did you get started in music? What's the backstory there?
My Parents really pushed me into the arts. I started lessons at 5. Once they found out I could sing, it was on from there. I was very fortunate to have parents who saw something in me, and encouraged me to nurture my gifts.
What musicians influenced you the most?
Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Erykah Badu, Amy Whinehouse, Prince, James Brown, Elton John, Diana Ross, Peggy Lee, Cher, Gwen Steffani… I could go on and on. The classic artists who set trends and made such an impact on the musical landscape that we know today!
How, if at all, do your musical influences shape and impact your music?
My sound is heavily merged with the sound of yesterday mixed with today. I always want to make timeless music. That's why I started calling myself a Retro singer! I hope to become one of the classic singers of this generation.
What's it like competing on American Idol? Is it all lights, and flash and glamor? Or is it mostly hard work?
American Idol is like one big crazy blur. It's definitely a dope experience! Just don't get sick like I did!
You recently released your debut album, Memoirs. What's the story behind the title of the album?
I am a hopeless romantic. The whole album is about true life experience - falling in and out of love.
In my review of "Crave," I likened your voice to Diana Ross. Is that a fair comparison or not?
Man! That's such a compliment to be compared to Ms. Ross "The Boss!" I do think "Crave" absolutely has that Diana/ Motown feel. I guess my voice is complex. Depending on the song, I get different comparisons, but I love this one! I'll take it!
Your sound merges elements of R&B, soul, and pop, along with a retro savor. What is your song-writing process?
I really enjoy just creating songs from scratch. With my new music, I really want to push myself lyrically, and story-tell. I think music should say something!
Most artists like to believe their music is evolving. Is yours? If so, is it becoming more modern or leaning toward more retro influences?
I'm always going to mix old and new. I think that is my signature sound. But I definitely want to evolve, and create music that really can make an impact for the future. It's important to carry on traditional American music but, doing it in a way that everyone can connect to.
Where was Memoirs recorded? Are you pleased with how it turned out?
Memoirs was recorded at Audio Hipster Studios in Atlanta, GA. Shout out to everyone who was a part of my first album! I am tremendously grateful for the love and time that was put into my first body of work, and proud.
Will you be doing any touring?
THAT'S MY NEXT STEP!! I want to open for a great artist that I can learn from here in the states, or tour overseas!
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Randy Radic is a Left Coast author and writer. Author of numerous true crime books written under the pen-name of John Lee Brook. Former music contributor at Huff Post.
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